Fresh controversy has erupted in Nigerias social media and religious space as counsel to Pastor Dr Chris Okafor founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry also known as Grace Nation has instituted a lawsuit against controversial online activist Martins Vincent Otse popularly called VeryDarkMan over what they described as sustained cyberbullying defamation impersonation and criminal harassment.
The legal action announced on Christmas Day followed weeks of viral online accusations amplified by VeryDarkMan alleging that Pastor Okafor fathered and abandoned two ladies said to be his daughters one identified as Chi also known as Chidera Okafor and another reportedly based in Canada. The allegations circulated widely through videos audio recordings and social media posts which triggered heated public reactions and reputational backlash against the cleric.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on December 24 lead counsel to Pastor Okafor Maxwell Okpara accused VeryDarkMan of deliberately inciting public hatred against his client through unverified claims false narratives and malicious impersonation. He said the online activist crossed all legal boundaries by presenting himself as an investigator judge and executioner while spreading what he called damaging falsehoods.
According to the legal team the allegations of paternity are entirely false and maliciously constructed to attract online traffic and provoke public outrage. The lawyers disclosed that a DNA test had already been conducted privately which reportedly confirmed that Pastor Okafor is not the biological father of the said lady. They insisted that any form of assistance previously rendered to her including sponsorship to Canada was done purely out of compassion and goodwill and not an admission of responsibility.
The counsel demanded immediate retraction of all defamatory publications public apologies in national newspapers and the removal of all related online content. They further stated that failure to comply would attract both civil and criminal consequences under Nigerias cybercrime and defamation laws.
In a twist the legal team also challenged the accusers to submit to a fresh and transparent DNA test conducted publicly to finally put the matter to rest. They argued that truth has nothing to hide and that the continued online drama was being sustained by deliberate misinformation.
The controversy gained renewed attention after the recent arrest and release of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala who had earlier accused Pastor Okafor of reneging on marriage promises allegations that also generated intense social media debate before losing steam.
Despite the legal threat VeryDarkMan has responded defiantly in circulating videos insisting that he stands by the testimonies of the women and portraying himself as a voice for the oppressed. His reaction has further polarized public opinion with supporters hailing him as fearless while critics accuse him of reckless activism and trial by social media.
The case adds to the growing list of legal battles involving VeryDarkMan and highlights the widening conflict between online activism and the rule of law in Nigeria where reputations are increasingly shaped and destroyed in the digital space without judicial scrutiny.
As the legal showdown unfolds questions are being raised about accountability responsibility and the limits of social media influence in a society already strained by misinformation sensationalism and institutional distrust.
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